Manager, Design & Development

At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), we don’t just create products—we create a universe that fans can hold in their hands, wear, play, read, and experience every day. From Jurassic World’s roaring adventures to the playful charm of Minions and the timeless wonder of Back to the Future, we transform stories into unforgettable moments that spark joy across the globe.

UP&E has grown rapidly while keeping the energy, agility, and inventive spirit of a start‑up. Our mission is bold: to take imagination beyond the screen and into the real world through innovative products, immersive retail moments, and extraordinary theme park destinations. We bring both Universal-owned and third‑party worlds to life across expansive theme park destinations, e‑commerce platforms, live entertainment venues, and global retail partnerships—fueling fandom everywhere it lives. Whether it's iconic toys, fashion collaborations, books, collectibles, lifestyle products, or cutting‑edge video games, we work with world‑class licensees and creators to make our universe tangible.

Here, creativity meets technology, and strategy meets storytelling. We connect design, commercial excellence, and fan passion to deliver experiences that millions cherish—inside the parks and far beyond them. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, you’ll join a global team that thrives on collaboration, imagination, and the power of culture‑shaping ideas. Your work will inspire fans, uplift communities, and leave a lasting mark on entertainment history.

We believe in a workplace where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every colleague can shine. That’s how we strive to be an employer of choice for talent and a partner of choice for retailers, licensees, and creators who share our passion for world‑class storytelling. If you’re ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that resonate worldwide—your next adventure starts here.

Join us and help create moments that matter.

https://www.universalproductsexperiences.com/

Universal Products & Experiences is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. We are committed to fostering equitable and inclusive environments that honor the experiences, perspectives, and uniqueness of each colleague.

As a Manager, Design & Development, you will lead the design, development, and execution of lifestyle accessory categories, including bags, backpacks, footwear, jewelry, socks, hair accessories, and related accessories, across multiple licensed and vertically integrated brands. You will partner with cross-functional teams, licensees, vendors, and manufacturers to bring innovative, high-quality products to market that align with brand standards, consumer expectations, and business objectives.

In this role, you will leverage your product design expertise, technical product development knowledge, and proficiency in 3D design, tech pack creation, AI-powered design tools, and draw-over techniques to bring concepts to life from ideation through production. You will serve as a key creative and product development partner, ensuring products are visually compelling, technically sound, commercially viable, and executed with excellence across assigned categories.

Design and oversee lifestyle accessory categories, including bags, backpacks, footwear, jewelry, socks, hair accessories, and related accessories.

Responsible for product execution, quality, innovation, and elevation across assigned categories.

Lead the design and development of accessory products across multiple licensed and vertically integrated brands.

Serve as the product development expert for assigned categories, leveraging a strong understanding of materials, fabrications, color palettes, construction methods, embellishments, and manufacturing techniques to deliver brand-right products across various price points.

Manage projects from initial concept through production, including trend research, sketches, Draw-overs, 3D renderings, tech packs, prototypes, and final design approvals.

Utilize AI-powered design tools and emerging technologies to enhance concept development, accelerate creative workflows, and drive innovation.

Create detailed tech packs and supporting development documentation to ensure successful product execution.

Develop and provide clear draw-overs, creative notes, graphic direction, typography guidance, and visual feedback for licensees and manufacturing partners.

Recommend and visually communicate commercially viable product ideas that elevate consumer products and Parks experiences.

Understand seasonal and emerging trends across fashion, graphics, color, materials, packaging, and product design, and translate them into compelling product opportunities.

Focus on delivering innovative, high-quality products across all assigned categories.

Manage all 2D and 3D product approvals for assigned lifestyle accessory categories.

Be the creative asset expert for assigned categories and provide accurate, actionable design feedback.

Collaborate with licensees and external vendors to ensure product execution aligns with brand standards, design intent, quality expectations, and business objectives.

Research market trends, consumer insights, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to inform innovative product concepts.

Develop creative tools including trend reports, style guides, product concepts, color direction, and visual assets to support IP priorities and product strategies.

Partner closely with internal stakeholders to align product vision, business goals, and workload priorities, while collaborating with designers, freelancers, agencies, and external partners to ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives.

Engage internal and external stakeholders to meet timelines, project milestones, and launch objectives.

Manage product approval workflows, including routing approvals through Legal, Compliance, Product Safety, and third-party IP stakeholders.

Utilize MediaBox, Adobe Launchpad, and related approval platforms to manage product review and approval processes.

Lead product approval meetings, ensuring all required feedback, approvals, and decisions are captured and communicated in a timely manner.

Understand licensee and vendor design and manufacturing capabilities to guide efficient product development and resolve execution challenges.

Build and maintain strong relationships with licensees, vendors, manufacturers, and creative partners, including onboarding new partners when needed.

Lead kickoff meetings and product development discussions with licensees, vendors, and manufacturers.

Provide guidance and support to junior team members as appropriate.

Attend trade shows, retail visits, and licensee meetings as needed to stay current on industry trends and support business initiatives.

Prepare meeting recaps and communicate key decisions, action items, and next steps to stakeholders.

Actively contribute to product development and design perspectives during creative reviews and cross-functional discussions.

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the team and business.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $105,000 - $125,000 (bonus eligible)